An air conditioning unit is a crucial addition to any home, especially in hot and humid places. For one, it can come in handy during summers when the heat is too intense to bear. However, a time will come when your cooling unit may deteriorate and no longer provide adequate cooling in your home. In that case, you may need to switch to a new one. The next thing that comes to mind is whether to handle the installation yourself or hire a professional.
If you’re planning to upgrade your current cooling system and want to install it yourself, it’s crucial that you know a few basics. After all, mistakes along the way can affect the unit’s overall efficiency. Therefore, it’s best to be familiar with the usual slips during the AC installation and what you can do to avoid them.
Inaccurate size of the air conditioning unit
An AC unit can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to find one suits your home the best. If the size is incorrect, it may be unable to cool your home efficiently and may have to overwork, eventually damaging the unit.
The right air conditioning unit depends on the size of the room. A unit that’s too large can result in short cycling in which the unit of the cooling cycle is shorter than normal. On the other hand, if the cooling unit is too small, it’ll be overworked. Both scenarios can be detrimental to your unit since it endures undue wear and tear, leading to early deterioration.
You can use a British Thermal Unit (BTU) calculator to help you pick the right size AC. The BTU is a heating unit that shows how much energy an air conditioner utilizes to eliminate heat in an hour. BTU calculators can be found online and are easy to use. You only have to put in the dimensions, such as the square footage, to know the number of required BTUs.
If you don’t want the hassle, you can consult an AC installation professional to measure your home and get suitable recommendations.
Poor sealing of the ductwork
You should pay close attention to the ducts if you want to ensure the efficiency of your newly installed air conditioning unit. You should seal the ductwork securely. Even minor gaps in the ductwork can affect the overall efficiency of the cooling unit, allowing air to seep out.
Proper ductwork installation for your air conditioning unit can help ensure the absence of cracks. In case cracks are present, a permanent sealer can be used.
Lack of proper drainage
Failure to implement good drainage is one of the most common mistakes in AC installation. Moisture will always be an element present during air conditioning operations. If it isn’t eliminated properly, it can result in damage, such as mold growth and water damage in critical cases. If you want to ensure proper drainage, a professional can install a suitable one for your cooling system.
Addition of excessive refrigerant
Once your air conditioning unit is in place, you need to add the refrigerant. Unfortunately, a common blunder is adding too much. You must ensure that you carefully follow the instructions, specifically the amount you need to use.
Generally, if you add too much refrigerant to your unit, it’s likely to damage the system, resulting in a malfunctioning unit which can be a costly ordeal.
Incorrect placement of the thermostat
The thermostat’s location plays a significant role in the overall efficiency of your air conditioning unit. When the thermostat is in the incorrect position, the unit has to work harder, which could wear it out in the long run. An ideal location for the thermostat is away from direct exposure to the sun. Remember that placing it in the right spot can ensure better efficiency.
Wrong location for the condenser
The condenser of your air conditioning unit also plays a vital role in its overall functionality. The right location can ensure that your condenser will not strain excessively. Aside from cost savings, it can ensure the longevity of the unit.
Ideally, a suitable location for the condenser is away from direct sunlight. It won’t have to overwork in a shaded area, preventing excessive wear over the years.
Final thoughts
A proper installation is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your AC unit. Any error during the installation process can be detrimental to the overall functionality of the air conditioning unit.
If you plan to install the AC yourself, it is important that you know the basics of installation and common mistakes you should avoid. However, if you find the process challenging, you can always hire a professional to ensure the best results.
